Connah’s Quay Nomads 2 Michael Bakare 7′ Callum Morris 49’p
The New Saints FC 1 Aeron Edwards 2′
The New Saints’ hopes of completing the domestic treble were ended last night after they were dumped out of the Welsh Cup by Connah’s Quay.
The Saints took a second minute lead via Aeron Edwards, but Connah’s Quay replied shortly afterwards before Callum Morris’ second-half penalty secured the Nomads a semi-final tie against Bangor City.
Having already clinched the League Cup trophy and forged an almost unassailable lead at the top of the Welsh Premier League, Scott Ruscoe’s side were targeting a clean sweep of domestic silverware this season, but will instead miss out on reaching the Welsh Cup semi-final for the first time in eight seasons.
The New Saints led almost immediately when Aeron Edwards pounced on a probing Saints free-kick from close range. The lead would last just five minutes however as Michael Bakare floated a free-kick into the Saints net for the hosts.
A scrambled clearance by Saints defender Steve Saunders from underneath his own crossbar saw Michael Wilde denied the chance to put Connah’s Quay ahead against his former club as both teams pressed for a second goal in a closely contested first-half.
The decisive goal came just four minutes into the second period when referee Lee Evans awarded Connah’s Quay a penalty after Andy Owens was brought down. Callum Morris converted past Andy Wycherley to pave the way for the Nomads to reach the last four of the competition.
After being picked out by Tom Holland, Saints defender Blaine Hudson could only plant his header straight at Nomads stopper Jon Danby as the Saints searched for an equaliser.
But as The New Saints pushed forward, chances also began to fall for Connah’s Quay. The Nomads could even have added a third had Andy Owens not struck the crossbar from seven yards out.
Ryan Brobbel and Jamie Mullan both threatened as The New Saints raised the tempo in the latter stages but to no avail as Connah’s Quay secured a season highlight victory.
Connah’s Quay Nomads
1. John Danby, 4. Jonny Spittle, 5. George Horan, 6. Danny Harrison, 8. Callum Morris, 9. Micheal Wilde, 10. Andy Owens (12. Declan Poole 77′), 15. Sean Smith, 16. Jay Owen, 19. Jake Philips (3. Kai Edwards 83′), 22. Michael Bakare. Subs not used: 2. Micheal Pearson, 7. Ryan Wignall, 21. Robert Hughes.
Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: Harrison 45′ Owens 50′
The New Saints FC
30. Andy Wycherley, 3. Chris Marriott, 4. Steve Saunders, 5. Connel Rawlinson (26. Ryan Pryce 61′), 6. Jon Routledge, 8. Ryan Brobbel, 12. Blaine Hudson, 14. Jamie Mullan, 17. Dean Ebbe (9. Greg Draper 30′), 18. Tom Holland, 23. Aeron Edwards (27. Kevin Kauber 83′). Subs not used: 13. Arron Jones (gk), 32. Harry Bower.
Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: Mullan 53′
Attendance: 259 Referee: Lee Evans
